We are excited to welcome Chris Sikes to Connections! Chris joins us as a swim instructor and brings an extensive background of aquatics instruction and competitive swimming to this role.
An Atlanta native, Chris began swimming at the age of two and was at one time, the Georgia state record holder in all the distance freestyle events and the 400 individual medley (IM) event.
He began coaching swim at the age of 15 has been doing so ever since.
In 1996, Chris moved to South Florida and coached at the prestigious Mission Bay swim team, where he worked with four swimmers who qualified for the Olympic Trials.
In 1991, Chris coached Mark Dean to a gold medal in the 200 meter butterfly event at the Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba, while beating the world record holder (Melvin Stewart) at the time.
Chris was formerly the head swim coach at Pine Crest School for 13 years and started the swim team at American Heritage Schools in Delray Beach. There, he developed numerous junior and senior national athletes. Chris also worked as the Aquatics Director at the Mandel Jewish Community Center (JCC).
"People always say — Find a job you love, and you'll never work another day in your life. That's exactly where I'm at," says Chris. "I love working with Connections' students. This team has built an incredible swim program, and I'm privileged to be part of it."
Chris was named the Florida Gold Coast Age Group Coach of the Year by USA Swimming in both 2003 and 2004, and he received a proclamation from the Palm Beach County Commissioners after coaching a swimmer to a first-place finish in the 12.5 mile open water swim around the island of Key West.
When Chris is not in the pool, he enjoys spending quality time with his three daughters. He also loves to fish, play tennis, cook and cheer on his favorite sports teams.
"People always say — Find a job you love, and you'll never work another day in your life. That's exactly where I'm at," says Chris. "I love working with these students. Connections has built an incredible swim program, and I'm privileged to be part of it."